Ben was feeling nervous, not so much about the match, more because of who would be attending it.
He hadn't seen Hux since their date two days earlier, but they had been talking over text almost constantly; they were like teenagers feeing everything hard and fast, as if for the first time, and personally Ben was loving every second of it,
Apart from the fact that he was nervous to see him again, that was a less pleasant feeling.
Ben huffed and sat up from the bench-press. Resting his elbows on his knees, he pulled his hands across his sweaty face, feeling his burning hot cheeks against his palms,
"Everything alright Solo?"
The ravenette sniffed and looked up, finding his team mate Remi standing over him wearing a massive smile.
Remi was the good sort, charming and funny if not a little hot-headed; he wasn't quite as bad as Ben in that regard, he'd just had a rebellious childhood in which he'd been picked up by the police more than once, it was mostly for graffiti though. He was also fairly gorgeous and had the most brilliantly white teeth that Ben had ever seen,
Not that any of that mattered particularly, he absolutely was not the man's type.
"Yeah, I'm good" he said with another deep breath,
Remi tugged the small towel from around his neck and tossed to the other man, "You sure? You seem kind of, I dunno, distracted?"
Ben dabbed the towel over his neck and finally stood from the bench, "I'm just nervous about tonight I guess",
"Seriously?" the other man asked, falling in step with him as they started towards the locker room, "We're only playing the Rogues, not really a match to worry about, I think. If you want to worry about a game, think about playing the New Republic at the end of next month",
"No, no it's not the match" the ravenette said shaking his head,
"Then what is it?" Remi replied, looking utterly dumbfounded by the very suggestion that something else could be on the other man's mind.
Ben smiled softly, letting out a gentle chuckle, "I've kind of got someone special coming to the game tonight",
"A scout?"
"No, not a scout" he laughed, "A guy"
Remi stepped ahead quickly and turned to stand in Ben's path, one hand held up to stop him in place, "You're seeing someone?", his tone was serious now, all of his usual humour having defused,
"Yeah?"
"Why the hell didn't you tell me?" he snapped, reaching out suddenly to thwack Ben's arm with a loose fist,
He gave the other man a stunned look, holding the red mark on his forearm as it developed, "It's fresh! It's literally only been a couple of days",
"And he's already coming to one of your games?"
"I mean yeah, I want him to be there, I like him" the smile curving up his lips as he said that was entirely involuntary.
Remi's own smile crept back onto his face too, "How much? What are we talking about here?"
"What do you mean?" he sighed, rolling his eyes and pushing past his friend,
"I mean, was it like a one-night stand that ended particularly well or what?" he laughed, hopping to catch up with him again,
"No!" Ben yelped, leaning on the locker room door and letting is open against his weight, "We haven't slept together!"
"Well come on! You got to tell me something then" Remi insisted, following him in, "What's his name, what does he do? Etc. etc."
The ravenette sighed and came to sit on the bench in front of his hired locker, "His name's Hux"
"Hux?" the other man asked, coming down to sit beside him, "Why's that familiar?",
He grimaced, he didn't think this would come up so soon, "He's a figure skater" he replied, glancing over to gauge his friend's reaction.
Remi nodded, recognition dawning on him, "Of course he is!" he said with a snort,
Ben quirked his brow at the man, "Why do you say it like that?"
He gave him a bemused sort of look and suppressed the need to laugh again, "Come on Solo you know why. A figure skater is so obviously your type, even just physically" he said with a shrug.
The ravenette was surprised, not only had he never particularly thought of himself having a specific type, he had never considered the idea that someone else might have riddled it out for him, "You think?",
Remi stood and unlocked his locker, "Sure, tall and crazy skinny? That's totally your thing" he commented, now beginning to tug off his vest,
"So I could never be with another hockey player? That's what you're saying?" he chuckled, toeing off his sneakers,
"Yeah, that's probably true",
Ben shook his head, "Damn, guess that means that we'll never work out" he teased,
"You could never have me, you know that" the man said, shaking his head and shucking off his shorts,
"Yeah, you're not pretty enough for me" he said, smirking.
Remi paused on the spot and shot an offended look over his shoulder, his hands held preciously over his heart, "I'm a fucking catch and I'm offended that you would dare insult my beautiful face",
"I guess you are unreasonably attractive… but your ass is way too fat for me"
His friend considered the comment for a long moment, before finally nodding, "I'll take it" he then slipped off his underwear before wrapping a clean towel around his waist, "It's not just a stature thing you know, you matching up with this figure skater"
"Hmm?" Ben asked, pulling off his unpleasantly sweaty athleisure shirt.
"You're from an argumentative family, right?" he replied, leaning one bare shoulder against the cold metal of the lockers, "And you always say that your mom married the guy who'd cause the most trouble for your granddad?"
The ravenette gave him a surprised look, partially surprised that he had mentioned that to Remi in the first place, and equally as shocked that he remembered, "Yeah? But where's this going?"
"You're a hockey player, you don't think a figure skater is going to cause problems in your life?" the other man folded his arms and shot him an amused expression, "You don't think a figure skater is going to drive you crazy?"
Ben cocked his head and winced, "Yeah, you're probably right"
0o0o0
A few hours later, after showering and briefly returning home for his equipment, Ben made his way to the ice rink.
Unlike the days when he had training (especially in the morning), the man was never late to work when there was a game on, in fact more often than not he was early, and as such he was all but ready to go when the rest of his team mates were still getting undressed.
Thinking it best to stay out of the way in the crowded changing room, particularly while pre-game tensions were high, Ben slipped out into the corridor the first chance he got.
The ravenette was squatting against the wall opposite the changing room now, deeply regretting not bringing his phone with him. He'd left it in his locker along with his street clothes as he usually would, but usually he wouldn't also have someone to talk to need it.
He could hear the bustle in the room even with the door closed, and the idea of trying to get back in seemed more painful and anxiety inducing by the second, regardless, he really wanted to talk to Hux.
With a sigh, the man finally stood, deciding to hedge his bets,
As he went to take the step to the door however, he became aware of the fact that he was not actually alone in the corridor.
He turned, his eyes widening at the sight he was met with, "Hux?"
The redhead was indeed standing before him and he looked as prim and as handsome as ever; once again though, his clothing didn't quite match his persona. He was wearing a pair of delightfully fitting, dark skinny jeans and what appeared to be a pale grey sweater- fairly regular items from his wardrobe. Over the top of both however, and indeed overshadowing them, hung a bright red hockey jersey.
The word 'Acolytes' was printed in gold across its chest, but the garment was made for someone far broader than the redhead and as such two letters at either end of the word sagged below the height of his armpits,
"You're wearing a jersey" Ben said softly, a bright smile curling up his lips as he approached him,
The other man briefly looked down, almost as though he'd forgotten what he was wearing, "Oh, yes. I thought I'd better represent" his cheeks began to tint pink as he spoke.
The ravenette came to a stop a comfortable few feet away from Hux and he once more looked him over, a huge beam on his face.
The jersey certainly wasn't new, it was battered and the hems on the arms were loose and frayed. The colour had also dimmed from washing and the letters had foxing too, pealing from the fabric in places.
What really caught Ben's eye however, was the large number 7 printed on the shoulder,
"You're wearing my jersey" he said quietly, pointing at it,
The man had played as number 7 on the Acolytes team for over three years now, so he couldn't believe that he hadn't noticed it straight away, perhaps the other man was just too distracting.
The blush on Hux's face deepened a little, "Well I do have access to the locker room, I just went in and borrowed it" he replied, talking softly until a wince twisted his expression, "It was your only clean one. Sorry"
Ben shrugged, "It's fine, I never wear a clean jersey for a match"
The redhead shook his head and laughed, "Well on that disgusting note, I'm going to get a seat", with that he reached forward and pressed a gentle kiss to the other man's cheek, his lips lingering against his skin for just a moment longer than usual.
Distracted by the contact, the hockey player had barely noticed that he had pulled away until they were already once more a few steps apart, "Wait-" he began, taking back use of the his voice, "-If we win, will you come for celebratory drinks with the team?"
Hux turned slowly, sending him a smile, "Okay-" he said, nodding, "-or I'll take you somewhere expensive for a commiserations dinner, just in case you don't"
Ben laughed, "That sounds like a good deal"
0o0o0
After the first twenty minutes of the match, the Acolytes were in an early lead, but after the second round of play time, the Rogues had matched them in goals. Then, in the final twenty minutes, not a single soul went on to score.
Feeling a little disheartened by the stalemate result, Ben changed quickly once the game was done and made his way out into the foyer to find Hux.
The redhead greeted him with a bright smile, a hug, a kiss on the cheek and a flurry of compliments for his technique on the ice,
"You really think I was that good?" he asked, hitching his bag up on his shoulder,
Hux nodded, "I don't know an awful lot about hockey, but I know the ice, your form was excellent",
The other man blushed and reached out to take his hand, "Well thanks" he said with a nod.
"What do you want to do now then? We didn't exactly make plans for this situation"
"I don't know" Ben said shrugging, casting his eyes over his shoulder to where his team mates were now filing out into the foyer as well,
Almost immediately he made eye contact with Remi of course, and the young man approached before he could say anything more to Hux,
"Coming to the bar? Most of us are in the mood to drink after that result" he said, flashing his teeth in a bright albeit rather exhausted smile.
The ravenette looked down to the man beside him, "Err- what do you want to do?"
"I could go for a drink or two" he replied,
"Okay" Ben said with a nod, now looking between Hux and Remi, "Oh! Er- Remi this is Hux"
"Hi" the hockey player said, offering his hand to the other man,
"Hello" the redhead replied, briefly letting go of Ben to accept the greeting, "Hope you don't mind me coming along? Me and some friends?" he added, gesturing across the foyer.
Ben blinked and followed his hand, finding that they were being watched by a couple leaning against the far wall,
She he recognised as Phasma, Hux's skating partner- she looked far more intimidating up close than he expected. Her crystal blonde hair was styled in short waves out of her face and off of her strong brow, while her expression was cool and steely. Beside her stood a man that Ben did not know however. He wasn't as tall than Phasma, but he was certainly more muscular; he also expressed the severe impression of being particularly threatening, with his wild red hair and unruly beard.
"Sure, the more the merrier" Remi replied, nodding,
He then gave Ben a funny expression- the ravenette wasn't sure whether it was in amusement or teasing, either way he chose to ignore it.
The bar, 'The First Order', didn't take long to arrive to by foot, although the sheer quantity of people walking there together made it difficult to talk and as such Ben and Hux remained quiet most of the way there.
Walking in a crowd wasn't all bad though, Ben was glad of it simply because it meant he could go on holding Hux's hand unseen.
Once they made it to the bar, most of the team split off into smaller groups, making it much easier to move around and indeed converse,
Ben, Remi, Hux and his friends found a booth quickly, and after a few moments taken to settle into their seats, all but two of them were on the feet again, now making their way over to the counter to collect the first round.
"So who's the scary looking guy with Phasma?" Ben asked, sidling a little closer to Hux,
"It's her on and off boyfriend, Kristofer" he replied, resting his head on his palm.
At the bar, Remi was now locked in conversation with the man in question, and Ben watched as Kristopher stared back at his team mate with wide, bright eyes, "On and off?"
Hux laughed softly and nodded, "They argue a lot. But the makeup sex must be fantastic, because I can hear it through the walls"
The ravenette grimaced but then laughed in return, having never expected the redhead to say something like that.
At that moment however, as if he had heard him, Kristofer turned and stared directly at Ben, a massive, slightly disturbing smile up turning his lips. The man felt himself give an involuntary shiver under his gaze, "He seems to be staring at me quite a lot"
Hux nodded, "I expect so" he commented, speaking far too casually for the other man's liking, "He's a huge fan of yours"
His brows shot up on his forehead, "He is?"
"He loves ice hockey, and thinks you're incredible"
Ben released an awkward laugh and shifted even closer towards the redhead, "That's kinda weird, I never really think of myself having fans"
"Really?" Hux asked, beginning to take notice of how close to him the man was now sitting, "You're such a fine player, I would've imagined that you get stopped in the streets" he said, smiling warmly. He then placed his hand a top the ravenette's, interlacing their fingers,
The other looked down to their joined hands and felt his cheeks begin to warm again, "Not exactly" he said with a laugh, "Still waiting for a big break, maybe a transfer to a bigger team"
"You're good enough, it'll come" he replied, reaching across to kiss his face for the third time that night.
Ben smiled at the contact and found himself staring into the man's eyes as he slowly pulled away, "Thank you for coming tonight, it meant a lot" he whispered, closing the gap once more, this time to join their lips.
The kiss was warm and sweet, but very short lived. The ravenette would of course preferred to have lingered, but given the current surrounding and company, he wasn't feeling at his most confident to do so,
Hux squeezed his hand reassuringly as they settled back into their seats once more, now sitting at a more casual distance from one another.
After perhaps thirty seconds of comfortable silence, Remi, Phasma and Kristofer retuned to the table with the drinks, and they sat once more, striking up conversation and making more in-depth introductions.
Two hours later, once a very drunken Remi had been picked up by his girlfriend Kiza, Ben, Hux, Phasma and Kristofer began the short walk back to the apartment, all loosened by more than a few helpings of beer and spirits.
Phasma and Kristofer led the way, while Ben and Hux hung back a little, their hands still joined tightly as they walked,
"I'm really looking forward to your show" Ben said dreamily, his eyes tracking the few constellations he recognised across the dark sky,
"I'm excited for you to be there" the redhead replied, "Although it's nothing like hockey, so I hope you enjoy it"
The other man's head swivelled towards him and he couldn't help but frown, "Of course I will! I get to watch you doing something you love"
Hux smiled and nudged him with his shoulder playfully, a little at a loss for words,
The ravenette went back to smiling too, fairly proud that he had rendered the other speechless.
Ahead, the other couple had made it to the apartment building; while Phasma stood holding the door open, Kristofer was on her side, ticking her neck with his beard and dropping kisses along her jaw,
"Hurry up you two!" the blonde called, barely able to keep her boyfriend's wandering hands at bay.
"We're coming" Hux replied with a nod, and tugging Ben along with him he started at a gentle jog up the sidewalk and then up the concrete stairs,
Before the ravenette thought on what he was doing, he had been pulled into the warm foyer of the building, and soon they were all in cramped elevator together, watching the floors pass them by.
The short journey upwards was decidedly awkward, as Kristofer couldn't keep his hands to himself; Ben and Hux stayed quiet, sharing significant albeit awkward looks until the door opened on the correct floor. The four exited the metal box and made their way down the corridor to the apartment,
Hux went ahead to open the door for them and Ben stayed close behind, not wanting to somehow accidentally get
caught up in Phasma and Kristofer's rough and tumble,
"Goodnight" the blonde yelped, barging past the two men in the doorway with her boyfriend close behind,
Before they could respond, the couple were out of sight, concealed behind a slammed bedroom door,
Ben blinked and took another step into the apartment, looking over the dark space; the bulk of the place seemed to be taken up by a huge sitting room, complete with two long black leather sofas and fairly wide screen TV against one wall. An attached kitchen was pushed off in one corner, and then of course there were two bedroom doors as well as a bathroom. There were a lot of windows dotted about as well, but all were covered by thick grey curtains which blocked out most of the lights from the streets outside, as such it was hard to see much of anything else; Ben could tell that it was a very nice apartment though.
"Come on" Hux then said, taking the ravenette's hand as he passed him, and pulling him further in,
Ben stumbled at first with the sudden movement but quickly found his footing as they made their way to the other bedroom,
The redhead opened the door and guided him in, side stepping so that there was enough space for the two of them to enter.
Compared the supposed size of the other rooms in the apartment, Hux's room definitely seemed to be the smallest; while his bed was a comfortable looking double, the floor space around it was very minimal. It was difficult therefore to find anywhere to wait around, and fairly naturally (especially with the social lubricant of alcohol in his veins) Ben came to sit on the bed, watching as Hux closed the bedroom behind him.
The redhead turned slowly and regarded the other man, is hands folded behind his back,
"Am I staying here tonight then?" the hockey player asked; he knew the question sounded fairly ridiculous, but although he wasn't exactly drunk, he had had enough to drink as to not feel the need to doublecheck every word that passed through his lips.
"It's late, and you've been drinking, it's probably for the best" Hux said with a nod, he then bit his lip however and his eyes fell to the floor, "Although, we'll just be sharing the bed"
Ben blinked again and quickly shook his head, "That's fine, that's fine! In fact I'll sleep on the couch if you want, I really don't mind"
It honestly hadn't occurred to the man for a second that that they would be doing anything more than sleeping, but even at the man's vague suggestion the ravenette felt a cold sweat spring up at the top of his neck.
"No, you can sleep here, I insist"
"Okay, well-" he licked his lips and finally looked away from the other man, starting to feel his blush and nervousness catching up with him, "-have you got something I can wear?"
Wordlessly, Hux moved to the wardrobe set into the wall and after a few seconds of rummaging he retrieved a folded pair of cloth pants,
"Try these" he suggested, handing them over, "I'll just get changed" he added, going to the head of the bed where his pyjamas were already lain out,
Ben had undressed and changed amongst his teammates and even strangers at the gym time and time again, but now he felt an unfamiliar worry as he began to strip off. He was overtly conscious of every button on his shirt he unfastened, and the sound the zip of his jeans made almost caused him to shudder,
Soon enough he was shirtless and changed into the cloth trousers however. The man was surprised to find that they fit him so well, and without thinking he turned to tell Hux as much,
The redhead was almost ready for bed too, although not entirely; he was now wearing a pair of baggy boxers and an open bed shirt which he hadn't finished buttoning,
In the dim light of the bedroom his pale, lightly toned chest looked flawless, and Ben reacted with an involuntary and uncomfortable dry swallow.
Waiting until each button was fastened on Hux's shirt, Ben only spoke once the other began to pull back the covers on the bed, preparing to slip inside, "These fit pretty well" he said quietly, stepping over to the other side of the bed,
The redhead looked up at him and shrugged softly, "I think they might be Kristofer's, or maybe even Phasma's, we end up sharing clothes here all the time"
Silently hoping that the pants didn't belong Kristofer, the ravenette began to fold back the covers of the bed too, gently slipping in seconds after the figure skater had done the same. There was a decent amount of awkward shuffling around for a few minutes before both finally settled, their eyes trained resolutely on the ceiling,
"I had a good day today" Hux said softly, resting his hands on his stomach atop the covers,
"I'm really glad" Ben replied; really he felt like that was an understatement though, truly he was overjoyed.
The silence that followed soon made him uncomfortable however, and quickly he was fighting the need to shift on the mattress again, on the off chance a new position might put him more at ease. It felt as though he were floating an inch above the sheets and that one sudden movement might bring him crashing down, disturbing Hux who for all he knew was moments from sleep himself,
"Are you okay?" he asked after a few more minutes had passed,
The ravenette winced, so he wasn't asleep yet, "Err yeah, I just- are you sure you don't want me to sleep on the couch or something?" he repeated, mortified by how inept that probably made him sound.
At first the other didn't reply, and Ben worried suddenly that he had somehow offended the other man with the insistent suggestion,
After a few more seconds however, Hux sighed and turned on the mattress, coming instead to lay on his side, now facing the other man, "I'm okay like this if you are" he replied, shifting forward so that his head came down on the hockey player's shoulder, quickly accompanied by his arm which he stretched across the man's chest.
Ben released a breath that he wasn't aware he was holding, and his shoulders comfortably sank back into the mattress. He was no longer floating, the redhead was anchoring him down, and he finally realised how comfortable the bed was,
"Yeah" he said quietly, still looking at the ceiling, "Yeah, this is good"